cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For fans of mashed potatoes, Gabriel suggested swapping it for mashed cauliflower as a lighter, higher-fiber alternative. —Sarah Garone, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

Arrange a crudité board with veggies like broccoli, green cauliflower, snap peas, and celery; expand your tray to include fruits like green grapes, kiwis, and green apples. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2026

The ethereal Chilean sea bass at Mirae is paired with a lovely cauliflower puree. —Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026

While certain plants may require neutral to alkaline soil—think cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage—others like acidic soil, including blueberries, raspberries, radishes, tomatoes, and bell peppers. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear
• Romanesco cauliflower

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers